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Coroner Probes Freebirth Death as Hospital Ran Out of Patient's Blood Type

A decision on a full inquest is expected when the case returns in March.

Overview

  • The directions hearing confirmed Stacey Warnecke died from postpartum haemorrhage after a planned home freebirth in September.
  • Frankston Hospital mounted a six-hour resuscitation involving 24 clinicians, a balloon to stem bleeding, an emergency hysterectomy, intubation and CPR, yet she suffered multiple cardiac arrests.
  • Clinicians depleted the hospital’s entire supply of her blood type during transfusions.
  • Birth support worker Emily Lal attended the birth, later declined a police statement after reportedly cleaning the home, and is barred from providing care by the Victorian Healthcare Complaints Commissioner pending investigation.
  • The coroner will examine freebirthing risks, the role of unregulated birth support workers and system impacts, and the newborn was reported to have survived.